Higher temperatures expected, experts share how to handle the summer heat

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – While summer is the perfect season for spending time outside, the extreme heat we’re about to experience could be very dangerous.

Advanced EMT Stephen Parrot with Medical Center EMS warns that high heat indexes—reaching into the 110s and even 115 degrees—make it unsafe to be outdoors for extended periods.

“Everybody thinks they can keep going without drinking and rehydrating, and you just can’t,” Parrot said.

Emergency crews are already responding to a rise in heat-related emergencies and expect even more in the coming days. It’s not just EMTs feeling the impact—utility workers working to maintain the power grid are also at risk.

Shelley Lowe, marketing coordinator with Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, says customers can help ease the strain by simply turning up their thermostats a few degrees.

“If everyone would do that, it would really help and make a big difference,” she explained.

While staying indoors may not be exciting, experts agree it’s the safest choice as the dangerous heat continues to rise.